A whole crop of British gospel artists make their CD debut this month with an album, not in traditional gospel style, but with a strong R&B underground flavour. Tony Cummings investigated.

A member of the Harlesden branch of COGIC Sarah became a Christian when she was 13 years old. She knew the producer Paul Cumberbach prior to the 'New Flava' session. "I've recorded with him before, I'd go to him when I needed demos for the songs I write. He's a very talented young man." Despite her songwriting ability, Sarah didn't compose the "Why Not Ask Him" cut on the 'New Flava' album.

When I spoke to Sarah, our interview was accompanied by the sound of her backing singers. She was rehearsing for a gig on Choice FM coming up soon. Like everyone else, she's all for the new direction that today's gospel is taking. "There's a new wave of gospel music coming through. That's fine, because you've got to hit people on their wavelength."

Samantha Edwards

For those in the know in British gospel circles one of the most exceptional singers on the scene is a 26 year old secretary from South London, SAMANTHA EDWARDS. Samantha has been a committed Christian for four years and attends the Rhema church in Norwood, where she first met executive producer Andrew Fearon. She says, "When Andrew asked me, I was prayerful about it. It felt right so into the studio I went." Samantha remembers the session quite vividly: "We had to come out with finished product in a day so it was a lot of hard work. Paul (producer Paul Cumberbach) was good to work with and we bounced a lot of ideas off each other."

What does Samantha think the record will achieve? "I hope and pray it will be an effective vehicle for the Gospel." Samantha is a prolific songwriter herself. No doubt we will be hearing more of this talented young lady.

Tyrone Henry

Weighing in with three scorching tracks on the 'New Flava' album is TYRONE HENRY from South London. The 26-year-old singer is no newcomer to recording; he'd previously recorded with London Posse, and has clocked up his share of session work. But since getting saved at 19 his music has gone in a different direction. "It's my lyrics that have gone in a different direction. I've always tried to keep my music on the edge. I'm into R&B, hip hop, even a bit of reggae. Now, of course, all these elements are coming into gospel music and I'm praising God for that. The public really love gospel voices, and they have no problem with the message, but in the past the music hasn't appealed to them. Now it's different."

Tyrone's favourite of his three tracks on 'New Flava' is "Time For You And Me". "The producer and I agreed that we needed a song with a praise direction and it just grew out of that. God was really in it."

In addition to the 'New Flava Vol 1' Tyrone will shortly have a single, "Come Go Away", as half of a duet The Occasion, recorded with producer Blacksmith.

John Gibbons

24-year-old JOHN GIBBONS currently sings with LCGC. He's been with the longest running choir in UK gospel-dom for a year and a half. Currently living in Ilford, Surrey, John grew up in the church at Hemel Hempstead. "I've been singing seriously for three or four years," says John.

"I've always been quite open minded so that though I love the traditional choir sound I also listen to R&B and soul so I wasn't too phased when they asked me to sing on the album. I do two songs on the album, Turn It Inside Out', which was written by the producer Paul Cumberbach, and 'Are You In The Light' (a duet with Marissa Anglin) which I co-wrote.

"Lyrics are really important to me and that song basically asks, 'Do you know the Lord, if not, why not?'" John is confident the album will do well and help further his ministry. "The project is a good foundation for me...a stepping stone."